About MEC

At MEC, we believe the transformative power of the outdoors makes us better humans and drives us to do good for the planet. We are here to inspire and support everyone in getting active outside, matching people with gear and advice that instills confidence. We offer more than products; we offer passion for the outdoors. We play with purpose!

Our business model is dependent on impassioned and well-trained outdoor enthusiasts and as such we look for individuals who live our purpose and fit with MEC ethos and lifestyle. If you are that person, we’d love to connect with you. Join us!

MEC is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building an inclusive community of staffers. We’re proud to work with our people to create a diverse workplace, where everyone feels like they belong and has the opportunity to be successful. We welcome of all applicants to join our diverse team. Tell us what you need during the hiring process, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

The role
ThisMerchant role sits within our Kids category team and is responsible for creating merchandising strategies that drive MEC product and merchandising vision, while driving assortment concepts and buying strategies that support member-centric decisions and targets. You'll be an expert on the MEC member needs and understands how to guide trends based on consumer data, feedback, and macro and micro economic factors. The role is action oriented, and comfortable taking calculated risks to better serve members and MEC; outcome focused, critical thinker with the ability to analyze and visualize, and drive continuous improvement across our entire business

Location: This is a hybrid role based at MEC's Support Office in Vancouver, minimum 2 days a week in-office.

As an Merchant, you'll be:

• Manages a multimillion-dollar portfolio of categories, delivering the sales and profits as targeted.
• Accountable for all aspects of merchandise profit and loss management and category financial results relating to specific categories including short-term and long-term planning, as well as proactive/reactive management to ensure forecasts, sales, markdowns, marketing strategy, market share growth, gross profit and inventory targets/budgets and pricing are met or exceeded. Communicates/reports results to appropriate cross-functional partners.
• Develop category strategies that align with the merchant framework and portfolio strategies/financials through the use and review of multiple data sources. Conduct item level assortment analysis and determine assortment decisions, including coverage of needs analysis for priority sub-categories, vendor optimization, SKU optimization, price ladders, brand strategy and development. Visit stores to build category strategy and price ladders for priority sub-categories. Proactively communicate strategies to leadership and their respective cross-functional teams to allow for appropriate planning and execution.
• Sourcing new items, brands, negotiating costs, discounts and advertising support.
• Developing, communicating and executing strategies that will deliver a clear competitive advantage in a very aggressive industry.
• Building a compelling seasonal and on-going merchandising strategy that will drive MEC vision, achieve sales targets and satisfy members.
• Determining product assortment so that it best addresses member needs and MEC objectives.
• Develop and manage strong National Brand vendor relationships, negotiating on behalf of the MEC member
• Owns pricing strategy and decisions, including promotional planning and markdown activity
• Oversees POs process from item set up to PO release and follow up
• Owns brand and item forecasting, seasonally
• Developing effective advertising, merchandising and store marketing plans to fully leverage the items within your portfolio to maximize their contribution to MEC.
• Review departmental sales with inventory partners to optimize inventory performance Manage product evolution through entire go-to-market process
• Collaborate with cross functional teams (including planning, allocation, marketing, ecomm, store operations)

What you bring

We are looking for an experienced Merchant as you'll be managing the complete buying process but also open to someone coming from different categories within retail.

• At least 3+ years of buying experience, managing large multi brand portfolios.
• Strong negotiation skills and an understanding of the finesse and subtle nuances needed in negotiating with large vendors.
• Understanding of the importance of analysis and planning; can organize, prioritize and delegate in a challenging multi-tasking environment.
• Communication skills: Strong interpersonal skills, a good listener, good communicator and solid presentation skills.
• Computer skills: Primarily Excel, Word, PowerPoint and a solid Process Management.
• Private Label or Store Brands experience is an asset.

The Compensation & Perks!

This is a permanent role with the anticipated salary range of $75,500 to $94,900 base + bonus . The exact salary will be dependent on the successful candidate’s relevant skills, experience, qualifications and internal equity.

• Vacation & Paid Care time (Wellness/sick)
• Staff Discount and amazing deals straight from vendors
• Top-notch benefit plan
• Retirement Plan with matched contributions
• Paid days to pursue outdoor activities and/or volunteer in your community
• Access to a learning platform and educational assistance support
• Career development opportunities

Note: Availability of the benefits and perks may be subject to your location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements. MEC reserves the right to alter these benefits and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

Are you up for your next adventure? We’d love to hear from you! English.

The Candidate must be able to read and converse in English. Le candidat doit être à l’aise de lire et de converser en anglais.